Lagos Government to Demolish 280 Illegal Structures to Prevent Slums and Coastal Erosion

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning that it will demolish 280 illegal structures in an effort to prevent the creation of slums, protect the state’s masterplan, and safeguard coastal areas from erosion.

Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, revealed this in a statement on Tuesday, emphasising that the affected properties are located in the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme, within the Eti Osa Local Government Area.

Alebiosu stated that over 280 property owners and occupiers have been served contravention notices, giving them seven days to provide the necessary documentation and approvals for their structures.

Failure to comply would result in the issuance of demolition notices.

“These properties, including completed buildings, structures under construction, and undeveloped plots, were identified as lacking proper government authorisation following a detailed technical assessment carried out by our ministry’s survey team,” Alebiosu said.

He added that the assessment, which focused on the Mayegun Waterfront Scheme, was conducted by the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development to ensure compliance with the state’s masterplan for waterfront schemes.

The commissioner advised affected property owners to voluntarily remove their illegal structures or present valid documentation to regularise their status before the contravention notices expire.

Failure to do so will result in penalties and eventual demolition.

“All illegal activities along the waterfront schemes must cease immediately.

The state government will not tolerate encroachment on government properties, land, or setbacks,” Alebiosu warned.

He also revealed that the state government is currently taking similar actions in the Okun Ajah Waterfront Scheme, where illegal encroachments are ongoing.

The government’s move forms part of its broader initiative to maintain urban planning standards and protect Lagos’ coastal zones from unchecked development and environmental degradation.